David Armitage

David Armitage, a renowned historian specializing in intellectual and Atlantic history, dives into the complex ties between enlightened cosmopolitanism and civil conflict. He explores how cosmopolitan ideals, often viewed as pacifist, are challenged by the realities of warfare, particularly in the modern context. Armitage examines Kant's ambivalence on peace, the implications of civil wars, and how historical narratives shape our understanding of contemporary conflicts. He argues that these tensions illuminate critical flaws and unexpected consequences in cosmopolitan thought.